Herald Sun reported that BHP Billiton is likely to file documents for its USD 180 billion bid for Rio Tinto with Chinese competition regulators this month.

Mr Sam Evans a BHP media spokesperson said that "We are intending to file with the Chinese regulators later this month.”

BHP is filing its application ahead of the introduction of a new anti monopoly law in China on August 1. At this stage, it is uncertain how the new rules will affect BHP's submission as the final version of the law has not yet been published. However, Chinese steel mills have been vocal in their concerns that a combined BHP-Rio will wield too much power over iron ore prices.

BHPB has already submitted its applications to competition bodies in Europe, US, Canada and Australia.